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Thursday, May 30, 2013

Drawing the Line

Have you ever had to draw the line with someone? Did the
things they said or did make you decide enough was enough? Do you need to do
that with someone now? It may be difficult to do, but there are some very valid
reasons for drawing the line:

It sets boundaries
People often think that creating boundaries is the same as building up walls.
That couldn’t be further from the truth! Creating healthy boundaries with your
friends and family members allows you to grow closer to them while maintaining
a mutual respect. But did you catch the word ‘healthy’ in there? Boundaries are
necessary but if you have so many that you shut people out, you’ve probably
built a wall instead.

It creates
expectations
I’m a huge advocate for setting expectations.We can avoid a lot of frustration and hurt feelings by having proper
expectations of one another. When we acknowledge the giftedness of our friends
and family, we learn who we should turn to. For example, I am blessed with having a few
precious women as my closest friends, each with their own personal strengths. There is an encourager, a problem
solver, a visionary, and a no-frills personality type. I know I need to go to
the problem solver to brainstorm an idea, but she’s not who I should turn to if
I just need a cheerleader. In turn, they know I’m the one who will talk with
them about absolutely anything but I’m not the one to babysit their kids.

It sets an example
By drawing the line, we teach others how we want to be treated. If a certain
behavior offends us but we tolerate it from that person, we allow them to treat
us poorly. My heart has been hurt so
many times by the behaviors I have allowed from others. Most often, they didn’t
even know what they were doing was hurting me. I had to change what I would allow from them.

Drawing the line with friends and family can be hard, trust
me I know. But I truly believe it’s a necessary step in growing healthy
relationships.It allows us to love one
another the way God intended while protecting our hearts from unnecessary hurt.
Are you ready to draw the line?

Be blessed,

Jennifer

“How good and pleasant
it is when brothers live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1